Springing Forward

Blooms from my hotel in Chiang Mai, Thailand last Spring

Spring is coming! A recent calendar tickler about the upcoming daylight saving time (it's this weekend, fyi) reminded me that we are rounding the corner on Winter in a matter of weeks. It’s been an interesting season for sure, and a renewal is certainly in order. 

That got me to thinking about what lies ahead in this next season, or better still, what I want this upcoming season to be for me. While I can’t answer that exhaustively in this moment, I can say that my outlook, fueled by my faith, is as hopeful as ever. 

Along with more personal discovery and revival, I’m looking forward to blooming and flourishing more in the ways that are meaningful to me. And I encourage the same for you.  Some suggestions for every season include: embracing self-care and self-love.  Using your voice. Pursuing your passions. Being your authentic self.

So here’s to finishing this season well (as defined by you) and intentionally embracing the good that awaits as we spring forward. 

Happy Living!

{Hairstory}: Tribal Braids x Life Lessons

I can barely recall a time, absent young childhood, when my hair wasn't top of mind.  Whether it was the leap from virgin to relaxed hair; my first chop--a chic bob that would become a favorite go-to style over the years; keeping it healthy while living miles apart from my trusted stylist during college and law school; enduring the upheaval that workout sweats wreak, and on and on, it's always been (and remains) a consideration.  And allowing myself to embrace myriad styling options (albeit gradually) has become invaluable.

A couple of years ago, I switched gears from my minimally relaxed routine about three times a year (to help with manageability) and stopped applying any chemicals, despite how slight the previous applications had become.  It wasn't intentional initially, but as time passed, I decided to go with the flow.  During that period, I also released my previous resistance to extensions, weaves, and the like, and jumped on the "sew-in", clip-ins bandwagon for additional versatility.  And, most recently, I opened my styling options to the easy, carefree world of braids.  In full candor, it was a somewhat unexpected adjustment that caused me to reflect more deeply about how I view myself, my personal aesthetic, embracing change and the freedom to express myself as I see fit on the hair and beauty spectrum.

I must say I was delightfully surprised at all of the positive and affirming feedback my new look garnered and how it truly served to help me settle into my new hairstyle.  Because let's face it--hair is a big deal.  Whether you're deciding on texture, styling options, healthy maintenance, battling hair loss or diminished density due to improper care, illness, aging, etc., our hair is our crown of glory and is forever attached to our self-expression.

Back to my foray into the world of braids (beyond my previous, simpler, but no less lovely, cornrow styles), I decided to go for the tribal braids with inspiration drawn from Bo Derek's famous look in 10.  My motivation was lifestyle ease, especially regarding those style-crushing workout sessions I mentioned earlier, coupled with my admiration for the sheer beauty of the style as worn by other women.

I said farewell to my braids on last night after my six week stint and can say that along with my hairstyle change came a greater self-appreciation and open-mindedness to express myself in ways I deem beautiful and authentic.  I fell in love with this new expression of myself and added another notch in my hair story.  See of more of my tribal braids looks here. :)

Happy Living!

P.S. What is your hair story?  Have you ever made a bold change to your hair?

{Self-Care x Pampering} ~ 5 Ways To Treat Yourself Well

Self-care can mean many things to as many people.  However, one thing is constant--it's necessary for actualizing our most fulfilled, balanced, and healthy selves.  Whether you're talking physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual, well-being, making time to care for yourself is essential.

One of the many ways that I spell self-love and self-care is through pampering!  Whether it's a trip to the spa, or special at-home rituals, a little pampering goes a long way to reinvigorating and uplifting us into our best selves.

Here are five of my favorite ways to indulge:

Drink to Life - with a 24-hour drink menu for the prettiest skin of your life. (Marie Claire)

Detox Your Skin - grab the secrets of five beauty bloggers as they spill the beans on the best ways to care for your skin from the inside-out. (Bloglovin')

Enjoy a Spa Day - at home! With these DIY spa treatments, your spa day is closer than ever. (Lulus)

Unplug - Going off the digital grid for an afternoon, a day, or more, can contribute immensely to a renewed outlook and a recharged mental state.  And fewer things can be more indulgent and nurturing when the world beyond beckons and your favorite app is only a touch away.

Rest Up - Sleeping in, afternoon napping, early bedtimes, anyone? Slowing down and prioritizing restfulness is the essence of self care and the side benefits are endless!

Sounds simple, right?  But if we're being completely honest, how consistent are we about actually doing it?  Let's make the days ahead the best they can be with a bit more self-love and self-care in action.

Happy Living!

P.S. How do you spell self-care?